2026 Fighting Game Movie Watchlist

🔥 Top Projects to Watch

  1. Mortal Kombat 2 (Live-Action)
    Why it matters: Karl Urban as Johnny Cage + expanded tournament arc
    What to watch in 2026: Box-office performance, sequel trilogy setup, darker tone

    Plot:

    The Mortal Kombat tournament officially begins. Earthrealm’s champions—including Liu Kang, Sonya, and Jax—face Outworld warriors led by Shao Kahn. Johnny Cage enters the fight as a reluctant but pivotal hero, while Scorpion and Sub-Zero’s rivalry escalates toward a brutal, fate-altering showdown.

  2. Street Fighter (Legendary Pictures Reboot) (Live-Action)
    Why: Big-budget reboot with modern casting and MCU-style universe ambitions
    2026 outlook: First major trailer, tone reveal, potential franchise launch

    Plot:
    Ryu searches the globe to master the Satsui no Hado as Shadaloo rises under M. Bison’s rule. Chun-Li, Guile, and Cammy unite to dismantle Bison’s empire, while Akuma lurks in the shadows, testing whether Ryu will become a hero—or a weapon.

  3. Tekken (Reboot / Series Format – Rumored)
    Why: Tekken 8’s success reignited studio interest
    2026 outlook: Likely announcement or pilot reveal (film or streaming series)

    Plot:
    Set during the King of Iron Fist Tournament, the story centers on Jin Kazama’s struggle against the Devil Gene and his destiny within the Mishima bloodline. Kazuya and Heihachi wage a war for control, turning the tournament into a battle for the world’s future.

  4. Mortal Kombat Legends – Next Chapter (Animated)
    Why: Consistently high-quality animated entries
    2026 outlook: New protagonist arc (Liu Kang era or Outworld focus)

    Plot:
    Following Liu Kang’s ascension as Fire God, timelines begin to fracture. Familiar warriors face alternate versions of themselves as realms collide. The film explores destiny, sacrifice, and whether absolute balance comes at the cost of free will.

  5. King of Fighters – Animated Continuation
    Why: KOF: Destiny built a strong fan base
    2026 outlook: Season revival or film-length animated project

    Plot:
    As Orochi’s influence resurfaces, fighters from rival teams are drawn into a supernatural conspiracy. Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, and Terry Bogard must confront ancient powers threatening to erase the world’s balance through endless combat.

⚔️ High-Potential / Dark Horse Projects

  1. Soulcalibur (Live-Action or Animated – Rumored)
    Why: Weapon-based combat + mythic lore fits modern fantasy trends
    2026 outlook: Concept art or studio pickup possible

    Franchise: Soulcalibur
    Plot:
    Across a war-torn medieval world, warriors seek the cursed blade Soul Edge and its divine counterpart, Soul Calibur. As Nightmare spreads chaos, heroes like Mitsurugi and Sophitia race to stop a weapon that feeds on humanity’s darkest desires.

  2. Guilty Gear (Anime / Animated Film)
    Why: Arc System Works’ anime aesthetic is tailor-made for animation
    2026 outlook: Netflix / Crunchyroll style partnership potential

    Plot:
    In a future shaped by magic and science, Sol Badguy confronts the return of Gears and the woman tied to humanity’s destruction—Justice. As old sins resurface, the film dives into identity, rebellion, and what it means to be human in a broken world.

  3. Virtua Fighter (Prestige Action Film)
    Why: Realistic martial arts + grounded tone
    2026 outlook: Indie-studio or streaming-focused adaptation

    Plot:
    A grounded, tournament-driven story follows Akira Yuki and other elite martial artists competing in a global fighting circuit. With minimal fantasy, the film emphasizes realism, discipline, and the personal cost of pursuing perfection.

🎮📺 Streaming & Series-First Candidates

  1. Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist – Continuation (Series)
    Why: Fan-approved, lore-driven approach
    2026 outlook: Mini-series revival or spin-off (Akuma, Bison origins)

    Plot:
    A deeper exploration of the past: Gouken, Goki (Akuma), and the origins of Ansatsuken. The story examines brotherhood, betrayal, and the moment when power becomes corruption—setting the foundation for Street Fighter’s modern conflicts.

  2. Smash Bros. Cinematic Universe (Animated) (Long-shot)
    Why: Nintendo’s post-Mario film strategy
    2026 outlook: Early groundwork only—easter eggs, short-form content

    Plot:
    Heroes from different worlds are pulled into a mysterious battlefield beyond time and space. As alliances form and rivalries ignite, the fighters must uncover who created the arena—and why only one universe can remain intact.